Children are Unbeatable
It is never ok to hit a child, to
discipline them or to punish them. Children have the
right to be protected from assault at any time by any person.
New Zealand has unacceptably high levels of child abuse ... often beginning when children are very young. It is a serious and extremely damaging social problem, and it needs to stop. Child abuse often begins as "discipline".
Witnessing or being subjected to abuse in early years is linked to learning and anxiety disorders, mental and physical health problems, drug and/or alcohol abuse, insecurity and depression, low self esteem and early pregnancy.
Recent research shows clear evidence of damage to the developing brain by prolonged, severe or unpredictable stress caused by traumatic events in early years. There is also the tragic element of learned behaviour taking abuse into new generations.
'When my parents smack me it makes me feel unloved and angry. It does not teach me a lesson, in fact it makes me want to defy them even more' (14 year old boy, New Zealand).
Whatever it's called - smacking, slapping or hitting is an assault.
There is no need to hit children to help them understand limits and boundaries. New Zealanders have a woeful record of child abuse, injury and deaths at the hands of their parents or close family members, often as the result of punishment that went too far. Helping parents to understand how to discipline children without hitting them is an excellent start to reducing abuse.
'Children are Unbeatable' states the case for raising children without physical punishment. Download it here, or email 2helpkids@unicef.org.nz to order a free copy.
An advisory group of six experienced practitioners guided the development of this project and consulted with children extensively.
Raising awareness and advocating for children who are affected by violence in their home or amongst their wider family / whanau / community is an important component of UNICEF NZ's work.
Our desired outcome from this project is that children will know that the violence they are encountering is not normal or acceptable. Our goal is that children, whatever their situation, will know that someone cares, will listen and understand their worries.
Sadly, we cannot 'fix' their situation, that's in the control of the adults in their lives, but talking and being reassured that they are not at fault and are not alone is empowering for worried kids.
Read more at BeAHero.co.nz, read the consultation report or view this presentation. More information is available from our National Advocacy Manager Barbara Lambourn (phone 04 815 9388, 0800 243 575 or 029 970 0853, or email barbara@unicef.org.nz).
New Zealand has unacceptably high levels of child abuse ... often beginning when children are very young. It is a serious and extremely damaging social problem, and it needs to stop. Child abuse often begins as "discipline".
Witnessing or being subjected to abuse in early years is linked to learning and anxiety disorders, mental and physical health problems, drug and/or alcohol abuse, insecurity and depression, low self esteem and early pregnancy.
Recent research shows clear evidence of damage to the developing brain by prolonged, severe or unpredictable stress caused by traumatic events in early years. There is also the tragic element of learned behaviour taking abuse into new generations.
Children are unbeatable
'When my parents smack me it makes me feel unloved and angry. It does not teach me a lesson, in fact it makes me want to defy them even more' (14 year old boy, New Zealand).
Whatever it's called - smacking, slapping or hitting is an assault.
There is no need to hit children to help them understand limits and boundaries. New Zealanders have a woeful record of child abuse, injury and deaths at the hands of their parents or close family members, often as the result of punishment that went too far. Helping parents to understand how to discipline children without hitting them is an excellent start to reducing abuse.
'Children are Unbeatable' states the case for raising children without physical punishment. Download it here, or email 2helpkids@unicef.org.nz to order a free copy.
'Be a hero' campaign: information for adults
An advisory group of six experienced practitioners guided the development of this project and consulted with children extensively.
Raising awareness and advocating for children who are affected by violence in their home or amongst their wider family / whanau / community is an important component of UNICEF NZ's work.
Our desired outcome from this project is that children will know that the violence they are encountering is not normal or acceptable. Our goal is that children, whatever their situation, will know that someone cares, will listen and understand their worries.
Sadly, we cannot 'fix' their situation, that's in the control of the adults in their lives, but talking and being reassured that they are not at fault and are not alone is empowering for worried kids.
Read more at BeAHero.co.nz, read the consultation report or view this presentation. More information is available from our National Advocacy Manager Barbara Lambourn (phone 04 815 9388, 0800 243 575 or 029 970 0853, or email barbara@unicef.org.nz).
